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Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Meeting Minutes

November 15, 2019

The meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association was held at the Cove Ridge Center on November 15, 2019 at 12 pm.  Members present: Jim Addington, Robert Chapman, Nancy Childers, Joe Fuller, Billy Heck, Sally Kelly, Eunice Laster, Mary Ruth Laster, Bob McConnell, John Mullen, Joy Mullen, Peggy Rauch, Randy Rauch, Joan Boyd Short, Ron Short, and Lindsey Strohofer.

Call to order and recognition of visitors: Joan Short, President

Approval of Minutes:

The minutes from the September meeting were distributed and read. Mary Ruth Laster moved to approve the minutes from the September meeting.  John Mullen seconded the motion.  It was approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:

Joe Fuller delivered the Treasurer’s report for Gretchen Cope who was out.  A full copy of that report will be filed in the Secretary’s archive. Ron Short gave the motion to approve.  Joy Mullen seconded the motion.  It was approved unanimously.

President’s Report

There was continued discussion on Bio Solids issue.

Park Report:

Robert Chapman gave the Park Report.  The Christmas lightings of the Tunnel are to begin on November 29, beginning with the Give a Friend a lift night. The park is preparing for a busy Christmas season. Gretchen Cope and Rachel Blevins were nominated and awarded an award from the Virginia Association of Science Teachers. The park has held its first of two hunts.  The campground and cabins are continuously busy.

Wilderness Road State Park: Billy Heck spoke about the events happening at Wilderness Road.  Upcoming events include the Carlin Christmas festival and old time Christmas.  The fort is closed and historical programs have finished for the year.

DBWTIC:  Bob McConnell reported that the library committee is up and running. On their way to developing a plan for a class historical library.  They have visited LMU and public libraries to see how those are set up.  Making great progress.   The exhibits committee met and decided that there is a need to develop a master plan and on what new exhibits we want to add.  Both 3D and interactive exhibits.  A 3D Native American exhibits will be added.

Fall Harvest festival:   120 people signed in at the blockhouse.

Carter Cabin: Dale has sent out the schedule for the Carter Cabin and is looking for volunteers for the Night Lightings.

Old Business: None

New Business:  None

Announcements:  Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center will begin its winter hours of Friday-Monday from 10 AM – 6 PM.

Bob McConnell made the motion to adjourn the meeting.   Ron Short seconded it.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association
Meeting Minutes
May 17, 2019

The meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association was held at the Cove Ridge Center on May 17, 2019 at 12 pm. Members present: Rachel Blevins, Scott Bowen, Nancy Childers, Gretchen Cope, Larry Fleenor, Joe Fuller, Eunice Laster, Mary Ruth Laster, Bob McConnell, Peggy Rauch, Randy Rauch, Ishmael Richardson, Joan Boyd Short, Ron Short, Lindsey Strohofer, Dale Taylor, Ruble Taylor, and Kim Thompson
Call to order and recognition of visitors: Joan Short, President

Approval of Minutes:
The minutes from the March meeting were distributed and read. Bob McConnell moved to approve the minutes from March 15, 2019 meeting. Ron Short seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Gretchen Cope delivered the Treasurer’s report. A full copy of that report is filed in the Secretary’s archive.

President’s Report:
Joan Boyd Short recognized Joe Fuller as Director Emeritus and Larry Fleenor, who was recognized as an outstanding Senior Volunteer for the State Parks. She also thanked everyone who participated in the 2019 Frontier Muster and made the event a success. Joan also discussed the planning of the 2025 anniversary coming in 6 years and the formation of different groups, especially one named “Rebecca Boone’s Ladies”. The excitement of partnerships is building within all the parks in preparation for the anniversary.

Park Report:
• Ishmael Richardson reported on the park. He discussed how the state budget crunch was affecting the park. Also, the pool opens this coming weekend along with the chairlift and rest of the park.
• The Blockhouse VC will also be opened on Memorial Day Weekend and staffed from 10a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends through the season.
• Scott Bowen reported on the happenings at Wilderness Road State Park and the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Raid next year.

Old Business:
Joan Boyd Short brought up the discussion for purchasing a Marquee tent at Blockhouse. The quote was for $1839.60 from Tent Smiths Everything that is needed for this tent is included in this quote. Discussion ensued about how to pay for the tent. Ron Short made the motion to buy the tent. Bob McConnell seconded the motion. After further discussion, Ron amended his motion to say that once the price was checked by Randy Rauch with another tent company, then the best and least expensive deal would be used to purchase the tent. Bob concurred for a second. Motion passed.
Other items that need to be purchased for the Blockhouse include one spider skillet, wash basins, and a few new 10×10 canopies.
Ron Short mentioned that we can all support the park by coming out to the Pickin’ in the Park series starting next week.
Dale Taylor asked for volunteer positions at the Blockhouse on Saturday and Sunday this summer. He will be sending out an email notice to members.

New Business:
Bob McConnell told the members that Jim Mallory arranged for the DBWTIC to receive a first edition of a two-volume set of all the letters of Lewis and Clark for the library.
Mary Laster talked about the letter received from the Town of Pennington issuing a permit dumping of Class B Biosolids. After discussion, it was decided that a letter from the DBWTA protesting dumping of Biosolids on the adjoining property to the property on Kane Gap should be sent. Nancy Childers suggested making a FOIA request for information regarding the situation. Joan will be attending the informational meeting on May 21, 2019. Larry Fleenor made a motion to send a letter to any state departments that might have concerns/control over the spreading of biosolids near a public access area. Mary Laster seconded the motion. Motion passed. Joan Short suggested we talk to the DEQ before she composes and sends such a letter.

Bob McConnell made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Ron Short seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Meeting Minutes

January 18, 2019

Present:  Nancy and Larry Hobbs, Larry Fleenor, Randell Jones, Ron and Joan Short, Randy and Peggy Rausch, Bob McConnell, Grant Hardin, Nancy Childers, Joy and John Mullen, Caden Kilgore, Joe Fuller, Gretchen Cope, Jim Addington, Jim Stallard, Eunice and Mary Laster, Benny and Barbara Reed, Robert Chapman, Scott Bowen, and Grace Bradshaw

A meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association was called to order at 12 noon by president, Joan Short.  She greeted and introduced visitors Larry and Nancy Hobbs, author Randall Jones, and speaker Caden Kilgore.

Joe Fuller moved and Bob McConnell seconded that the minutes from the November 16, 2018 meeting be accepted as written.  The motion was approved.

Gretchen Cope offered the Treasurer’s Report (attached).

Robert Chapman gave a report on the state of the park.  He said that they would be starting the hiring process, though they have suffered a 2% cut in funding and are currently operating with a “skeleton staff.”  He disclosed that the new Interpretive Center is open from 10-6 daily.  The grand opening on December 10^th had to be cancelled due to inclement weather.  It will be rescheduled, possibly near the time of the Trade and Muster Fair (April 26-28, 2019).  He also remarked that Craig Seaver had sent an email which Gretchen would forward to all DBWTA members regarding bills currently before the Virginia General Assembly so that members can send letters of support to delegates regarding the necessity of supporting these bills and amendments which will provide funding for the Interpretive Center and other Park operations.

Joan remarked that we should feel grateful to Marilyn Maxwell, former head of MEOC, who is using her considerable influence with the legislature to advocate for Park funding.

Scott Bowen reported that Wilderness Road State Park is also currently operating with a skeleton crew, but will begin hiring back employees in April.  He also announced the during the third week of February, Billy Heck will teach a black powder class. They will be raffling a hand-built Liberty Project rifle this year.  There will be militia musters the third weekends May-October.  Paddling on the Powell River will start in June.  He has met with Pam Eddy to discuss a partnership program with Cumberland Gap celebrating the 250^th anniversary of Daniel Boone’s first excursion into Kentucky.  The celebration will take place September 14-15.

Bob McConnell reported that the Interpretive Center is now open and that field trips are scheduled for the last weekend of February.  The Library is not yet open.  A library committee will be formed to jury books and materials related to Boone.  Evelyn Smith, Assistant to the President of LMU, will do a program on the preservation of archival material for the library.

Joan noted that the LMU Library has all the Robert Kinkaid papers, which document the book Kinkaid wrote, The Wilderness Road.  His book is considered an authoritative source on Daniel Boone and the Wilderness Trail.

Joan also noted that she would try to get a classroom set of William Steele’s book The Old Wilderness Road, which was written for young readers.

The program was offered by Caden Kilgore.  He noted that Virginia is #6 in the United States in apple production.  In his own orchard, he has planted a number of heirloom apples.  He gave a brief history of the spread of apple cultivation in the United States and noted that there are now 2500 varieties of apples.  He explained that homesteaders could claim land on which they had planted 50 apple trees and that the apples were generally used for making cider.

Randell Jones, author of In the Footsteps of Daniel Boone, was very pleased with his visit to the Interpretive center and plans to write an article about it   He also noted that he has found the DAR historical marker regarding the Wilderness Road that used to be at Clinchport and has been missing for years.  He would love to see it placed at the new Interpretive Center.

Joan reiterated that the Grand Opening of the Interpretive Center may be on the weekend of April 26^th and that she would keep members informed.

There being no further business, Ron Short moved and John Mullens seconded that the meeting close at 1:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Grace C. Bradshaw

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Meeting Minutes

September 21, 2018

Present:  Billy Heck, Richard Boehler, Jordan Gibbs, Nancy Childers, Joe Fuller, Larry Fleenor, Joy and John Mullen, Robert Chapman,  Bob McConnell, Nancy Childers, Kim Thompson, Dale and Rubal Taylor, Jim Stallard, Jim Addington, Scott Bowen, Rachel Blevins, Gretchen Cope, Joan Short, Grace Bradshaw.

A meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association was called to order at 12 noon by president, Joan Short.  She greeted visitors from Wilderness Trail and Martin Station.

Minutes:  The minutes of the July 20, 2018 meeting were reviewed.  Dale Taylor moved and Bob McConnell seconded that the minutes be approved as read.  The motion was approved.

Treasurer’s Report:   Gretchen presented the treasurer’s report and asked if there were any questions.  Bob McConnell moved and Joy Mullen seconded that the treasurer’s report be approved as read.  The motion carried.

Natural Tunnel State Park Report:  Robert Chapman reported on the success of the Governor’s visit as well as the success of Railroad Day, where 3000 visitors enjoyed the park.  He reported that the park has hired a new ranger, Roy Bishop, who is trained in HVAC, electrical work and other trades.  He believer Roy will be a great asset to the park.  Robert also reported that he is in the process of acquiring supplies for the new Interpretive Center which has a scheduled opening of November 15.  Lastly, he reported that the cabins have been booked every weekend through the fall season.  They are looking forward to increased participation in the Christmas season and the Lighting of the Tunnel.

Rachel Blevins reported that the park has served a number of school groups throughout the summer and into the fall.  She is looking forward to the next big event, the Harvest Festival on October 27.

Report from Wilderness Road State Park:  Scott Bowen reported on efforts to keep a cell phone tower from being erected in the sightline of Wilderness Road State Park.  He encouraged the group to send letters asking for a new site to AT & T (Attn.:  Dina Bazzill, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004).  Letters need to be received by October 12.  Scott also reported that Winter House is 95% complete and they plan to have an opening of the new native camp on October 13, 11 AM.  He says it is very impressive and that the construction involved gathering and using 22,000 cattails.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center:  Bob McConnell reported that Color Ad has been at the Center all week installing exhibits and will finish their work very soon.

Harvest Festival:  Joan handed out fliers for the Harvest Festival which will take place Saturday, October 27 from 1-5 p.m.  There will be demonstration of flax to linen processing, natural dyes, 18^th century games, frontier cooking, blacksmithing, tanning, spinning, and fire starting.  Those wishing to help should arrive at 10 a.m. to set up.  There will be a hayride at 5 p.m.  Joan encouraged members to take extra fliers to display around their neighborhoods.

Meeting times:  Joan discussed the possibility of changing the meeting time for DBWTA meetings, but the group wanted to keep the time in place through the winter.  Evening meetings were a difficult proposition for those who do not like to drive at night.

New Business:  The editing as complete for the to be shown as an introduction to the new Interpretive Center, so Joan showed us the finished movie.  It will be an excellent way to orient the visitors to the trials of travelling over the Wilderness Trail.  Joan also said she would discuss with Robert what kind of maximum they should set for the number of visitors in the Carter Cabin at one time.

Adjournment:  There being no further business, Dale Taylor moved and Bob McConnell seconded that the meeting be adjourned.  The motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Grace C. Bradshaw

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Meeting Minutes

May 18, 2018

Present:  Joe Fuller, Larry Fleenor, Joy and John Mullen, Margaret Crouch, Robert Chapman, Randy and Peggy Rauch, Bob McConnell, Nancy Childers, Gretchen Cope, Joan Short, Grace Bradshaw.

Welcome and Call to Order:  At 12:15 p.m., Joan welcomed the group.

Approval of Minutes:  John Mullen moved and Randy Rauch seconded that the minutes be approved as amended (correcting the spelling of Nancy Childer’s name).  The motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:  Gretchen went over the Treasurer’s Report.  Margaret Crouch moved and Bob McConnell seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved.  The motion carried.

President’s Report:  Joan reported that the Frontier Muster went very well.  The events team members have discussed possible improvements for next year.  One suggestion was to have a clothing chest where family members could find items of apparel from the Frontier Era and have their pictures made.  Joan is also hopeful that a friend (Kirstie) may come demonstrate cows that have been raised to the yoke.  She said the Sunday service was wonderful, especially the memorial recognition of Wanda McConnell and Michael Rhoten with the planting of rose bushes for Wanda and the wreath for Michael.  With the generous donation of Michael’s clothing, books, and accoutrements, as well as other generous donations of items, the auction raised $1916.00.  Parking raised $124, so the total benefit to the Events Fund was $2040.  The only bad thing to happen was that Lisa Bennett slipped and fell into the open cook-fire and burned her arm.  She is recovering.

Joan said the Events Committee would like some more help as they ponder the Muster for next year.  She and Gretchen will demonstrate the flax process at Sycamore Shoals this weekend.

Natural Tunnel Park Report:  Robert Chapman thanked DBWTA for a successful event with the Muster.  He said the park has hired most of the staff for the summer and that two orientation sessions have been held.  The pool is set to open tomorrow.  Cabin and camping revenues are up for the year.

Robert, Gretchen, and Rachel have been working on a grant with the Rotary Club to promote literacy for youth who come to programs in the park.  The park will purchase literature to go along with the youth experience, covering such topics as flora and fauna, kayaking, and frontier history.  These materials will be geared toward elementary school children.  Students who participate in the Across Virginia program will receive Kindle tablets that they can keep.  The park will hear by July if the grants have been approved.

Other events in the park include “Picking in the Park” starting next Sunday and continuing through the summer on the last Sunday of the month.

Mountains of Music Homecoming will be held June 15 with the Lonesome River Band headlining and craft beer and barbecue on sale for patrons of the event.

Railroad Day will be July 21.

Lighting the Tunnel will occur on the last Saturday of each month.

Joan thanked Robert and the rest of the staff for their support during the Muster event.

Interpretive Center Report:  Bob McConnell reported that one part of the grant from the Rotary Club will be interpretive materials for the Visitor Center.  He said the main structure is complete, though landscaping continues.  An overlook will be built to be used as an outdoor classroom.  Exhibits are nearing completion, though some of them will require some structural changes inside the building in order for them to be completed.  Fabricators of the exhibits say they can be finished by August.  Since the exhibits need to be in place before opening, the date for the opening has been delayed until August or September.  Two mannequins will be added to one of the exhibits, a man and a woman, and will be dressed in period-correct apparel.

Joan expressed her appreciation for Bob’s faithfulness in dealing with all the changes.  She noted that she and Gretchen had procured a number of items of apparel at the Wilderness Road “Siege of Martin’s Station” from the vendors there.  They had an authentic 18^th century powder keg, a basket, copper ware, and items of clothing on display.  They also found a wide hackle which will be handy for flax demonstrations.  Randy Rausch is making a powder horn and a shooting bag for the exhibits at the Interpretive Center.

Shirts:  Joan showed the group shirts (polo or denim) which can be embroidered with the DBWTA logo and the label “Interpreter”.  The polo shirts are $20.00 at Impressions.  The denim shirts are $25.00.  Peggy Rausch noted that she still has all the equipment to do embroidery.

Old Business:  None

New Business:  Larry Fleenor has worked with the town of Damascus on Boone related material as well as with Pike County, Kentucky.

Joan has been contacted by John Fox about developing a driving brochure going from Cumberland Gap to Boonesborough, Kentucky.  Bob McConnell noted that one exhibit at the Interpretive Center will be a large map and it covers all the places people went after crossing into Kentucky.

There being no further business, Bob moved and Joy seconded that the meeting adjourn at 1:04 p.m.  The motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Grace C. Bradshaw